OK folks, just the real-estate property taxes would HELP our community so much. It's been exactly 1-year since this article was in print. Yes, City Council is going after the small non-profits, BUT when is SU and VHS going to be challenged?
According to a Winchester Star article back on Friday, January 30, 2009:
Shenandoah University has $66.8 million in assessed property that is exempt from taxes. That’s about $454,720 in tax revenue each year that the city doesn’t see.
Winchester Medical Center has property valued at $314.1 million in the city. If it were taxed, the city government would collect about $2.1 million in annual revenue.
Council seeking ‘balance’ on taxes
By Eric Beidel The Winchester Star January 30, 2009
Winchester — The new City Council has drawn a line in the sand.
The nine-person council has four first-time members, and they’re on a mission to find money and use it more wisely.
“You’re going to see a lot more logical economic decisions,” said John A. Willingham, who was elected to the council Nov. 4.
During a recent retreat, the councilors came up with a new mission:
“To provide a safe, vibrant, sustainable community while striving to constantly improve the quality of life for our citizens and economic partners.”
“Sustainable” is the key word, they said, and it is something that can’t happen if they don’t take a hard-line approach to money — the dollars that come in, the dollars that go out, and the dollars that never materialize.
The latter refers to real estate tax breaks handed out by previous councils.
As of the latest general assessment, the total value of property in the city tops $3.8 billion.
About 20 percent of those properties — at a total value of $747.5 million — are exempt from paying real estate taxes.
Winchester’s real estate tax rate is 68 cents per each $100 of a property’s assessed value. That means the owner of a $200,000 home, for example, pays $1,360 in real estate taxes each year.
Two weeks ago, the new council heard its first request from an organization that hopes to avoid paying the real estate tax.
Shenandoah Valley Community Residences recently bought a home at 809 Chelsea Drive. The nonprofit organization offers fully staffed residences for mentally handicapped adults.
The group has another home in the city that was granted a property tax exemption by a previous council.
But the new council decided that it needs to draw the line. As it stands now, Shenandoah Valley Community Residences must pay the taxes — about $3,600 a year — on the Chelsea Drive home.
“We’ve got to get this scale back in balance,” Councilor Les C. Veach said.
SU and WMC
State law exempts several kinds of entities from paying real estate taxes — governments, schools, and many nonprofit organizations.
However, just because an organization is a nonprofit doesn’t mean the city government must exempt it from paying real estate taxes. The organization must apply for an exemption and go before the council.
Aside from government-owned properties, the biggest tax-exempt entities in Winchester are a university and a hospital.
Shenandoah University has $66.8 million in assessed property that is exempt from taxes. That’s about $454,720 in tax revenue each year that the city doesn’t see.
Winchester Medical Center has property valued at $314.1 million in the city. If it were taxed, the city government would collect about $2.1 million in annual revenue.
The city government has approached WMC about paying real estate taxes because of its Wellness and Fitness Center, a branch of the hospital that opened in September and offers services for profit.
The center has a store that sells fitness gear, and offers fitness classes for a price. The hospital pays business taxes on those for-profit operations, but does not pay real estate taxes for the facility on WMC’s Amherst Street campus.
“It hasn’t been part of our 100-plus-year history here to be asked to pay property taxes,” said Wes Williams, vice president of marketing and community relations for Valley Health, the corporate parent of WMC. “It’s all on the same hospital campus, so the whole part of the area would be exempt.”
Some on the City Council see it differently, especially after watching other fitness businesses in the area flounder and close.
The city once had several Curves locations. It now has one.
PERC Fitness, formerly the Downtown Athletic Club, closed its doors last month. Owner Caren Werlinger said then that a dire economy and competition from WMC’s fitness center forced her hand.
Valley Health is a large nonprofit organization competing against small independent businesses, Willingham said.
“At some point, there has to be equal footing,” he said. “Continuing to provide tax exemptions at the pace we have in the past will not lead us to our mission of creating a sustainable community.”
“Tough decisions”
Of all the real estate in the city, about 20 percent has been granted exemptions.
In Fredericksburg, a city about the same size as Winchester, about 15 percent of its $4.8 billion in property is exempt from paying real estate taxes.
“I think it would be wise for us to look at all the properties that have been granted tax exemptions in the past to see if they’re still what they said they were,” Councilor Art H. Major said.
The list of exempt properties has some discrepancies, most of which have been corrected. Still, the list has some properties that officials don’t know much about — or when an exemption was granted.
“It’s worth the effort to go back and look,” Major said, adding that even revoking previously granted tax exemptions could be an option.
“There are going to be some tough decisions to make,” he said. “We only have a certain capacity — and I’m not sure what that capacity is — to sustain ourselves.”
Those applying for tax breaks in the future have been warned.
“I don’t see us granting tax exemptions like in the past,” Willingham said, “if any at all.”
— Contact Eric Beidel at ebeidel@winchesterstar.com
I personally know Mr. Jimmy Omps as I viewed him as Mr. Quality Control for Handley as I told him last week.
I gave him a lead on a high-profiled name that was missed as a potential donor during the renovation as he thanked me and would follow-up on it. There you go ... JO still on the job so to speak!
It's hard to believe JO has been retired since 1994; time sure does fly by as I told him Quality-Control left the Handley building when JO retired!
To close folks, from my perspective after visiting several events this year, The Handley Judges are in much need of a JO!
Saturday night will be a very special evening, will the STATE Championship banners be up? Not sure, but I know if JO was there, they would be up because that is part of Handley Pride as its the rich tradition of The Handley Judges.
Will there ever be someone close to a Mr. Maddux or JO anytime soon that will step inside the walls of the Handley Building to help the young people?
PS ... Today is Friday Jan. 29th, so maybe they are being hung today, a day before the dedication, that would be great as it would be very appropriate if they were hung to honor Mr. Jimmy Omps and Mr. Hunter Maddux. For the record, if we recall correctly, the gym has been open for 12-14 months since the renovation was complete.
Anyone can be most confident that Strasburg organization will be ran in 1st class manner both on the field to off the field. The town of Strasburg has been waiting very patiently for an opportunity as it presented itself when the Fauquier Gators folded recently. With Strasburg located within the Shenandoah Valley, it was truly a perfect fit!
These BOD's as they are good people who love and respect the game of baseball!
Strasburg lands VBL franchise for 2011 season
By Jeremy Stafford - jstafford@nvdaily.com
STRASBURG -- The Valley Baseball League announced Tuesday, when it released its 2010 schedule, that team owners have approved the purchase of the floundering Fauquier Gators franchise by Strasburg Community Baseball Inc.
The Strasburg-based group, a nonprofit organization comprising a six-member board of directors, with room available for a seventh member, will move the Fauquier team to Strasburg.
The Strasburg team, which as of yet is without a mascot, will begin play in June 2011 as part of the town's 250-year anniversary celebration; the 12-team league will field only 11 teams this summer.
Jay Neal, a member of Strasburg Community Baseball Inc., said the Fauquier team has not yet been purchased, but that an agreement should be reached within a week.
"It was a wonderful opportunity to pick up a team, and there are a bunch of us who have been interested in doing that for years," said Neal, a graduate of Strasburg High School. "And it's the worst time in the world, economically ... but you can't always pick when your opportunities [come] up.
"But Strasburg is a wonderful place for a team."
The rest of the board members are Richard Wilson, Frank Conner Jr., Mike Whittle, Jan Bane and Butch Barnes.
Barnes will coach the Strasburg team, which will play at First Bank Park in Strasburg.
Neal said that, being a nonprofit group, any money that Strasburg Community Baseball Inc. brings in from the team will be donated to the Strasburg High School baseball and softball programs, as well as the Strasburg Little League baseball and softball teams.
In keeping with the tradition of Strasburg High School, Neal explained, the Strasburg team will wear purple.
VBL treasurer Jim Phillips said the Fauquier team recently folded because it lacked the personnel to remain active.
The purchase agreement for the team stands at a light sum of $5,000, money that was donated to Strasburg Community Baseball Inc. by Homewood of the Shenandoah Valley.
"Since they got here, they've been extremely interested in getting involved in community affairs," Neal said.
For Phillips, the prospect of having a Valley League team in Strasburg, when there's already area teams in Woodstock, Winchester, Front Royal and New Market, will hardly be a detriment to the league.
"They got a lot of baseball-minded people," Phillips said of Strasburg, "and, of course, with the history of Strasburg and sports, it's going to be a very good franchise for the league."
Folks, don't forget about these (in excess of revenue) profit figures that just the Winchester Medical Center (not-for-profit) alone is producing since 2001 according to Quad State Business Journal was $11.8 million.
You tell us what in the world in going on? These numbers are getting to big for The Pub to even comprehend for this "not-for-profit" organization. Please keep in mind, this is just Winchester Medical Center alone, there are many other revenue generating services that has not been factored in yet.
Please tell your friends who might be "charity care" candidates or "individuals who are in need" for financial assistance, that they need to "pre-qualify" and ASK questions!!!
... "pre-qualify" and ASK questions!!!
... "pre-qualify" and ASK questions!!!
... "pre-qualify" and ASK questions!!!
... "pre-qualify" and ASK questions!!!
Basically, in years past, If you did not ask, they did not tell you. So if you were billed and made the payments, then VHS was very appreciative of your generosity. The perception that has been developed over my nearly 24 months of research, VHS has taken money from individuals that they probably should not have taken.
How else can anyone explain these enormous profits???
Please share with your friends so they are more informed.
In response to Jeff Milburn's letter of Jan. 19: Yes, Winchester Baseball does start practice for most 10-, 11-, and 12-year-olds in mid-March, with games beginning in April. The season culminates in late May/early June with playoffs and the World Series.
What Mr. Milburn does not mention is the 300 T-ball and machine-pitch players who are ready to start as soon as the spring season ends! Anyone familiar with Jim Barnett Park knows that there are a finite number of fields being used by Shenandoah University, Handley High School, Parks and Rec programs, and Winchester Baseball. Therefore, it is necessary to split the programs into three distinct parts (spring baseball, T-ball/machine-pitch, and fall ball).
I take issue with Mr. Milburn’s insinuation that WB does not treat all children equally. All-star teams are picked by a panel of coaches and, unfortunately, only the most skilled and dedicated players are taken. These players, and their parents, devote much time, travel, and expense to represent the Winchester area in state, regional, and even national events!
Since Winchester and WB are in the process of trying to secure a World Series event at Jim Barnett Park, I can only assume that Mr. Milburn’s letter constitutes nothing more than a “stir of the pot”!
If anything Mr. McNemar, the motive is to get ALL of the facts out on the table for City Council to review so they can make an informed decision about the City Taxpayers dollars if it should be spent or not on this World Series during these epic budget constraints we are facing. How can that be stirring the pot?
- How many kids are playing in Winchester Baseball for the ages of 8-12yrs old?
- How many kids are Winchester City residents
- How many kids are Frederick County residents
- How many kids are Clarke County residents
- How many kids are Warren County residents
- How many kids are Shenandoah County residents
- How many kids are from WV
Are there not ALL-STAR teams practicing in the Armory during December, January and February? How can this be fair and equal if the ALL-STAR's are pre-selected before the season even starts?
Lastly ... how much is the player fee per kid and where do you reside Mr. McNemar ... within the City of Winchester or Frederick County? If you reside in the County of Frederick which anyone could assume you do based on an address of 1342 Cedar Grove Road with a zip code of 22603(click on the link to view map) ... then why don't you contact your Board of Supervisors and ask them to kick in some cash for this event? If this address is not correct, then a correction will be made.
Please respond Mr. McNemar as the nearly one-thousand unique readers of The Pub would like to view your response.
What researchers to the best of their knowledge, would like to share the following which is the opinion formed from research and interviews The Pub conducted with Dr's out of state.
Of the 46 Million that everyone talks about, it is about 12M choose not to buy and are young.
There are about 12M illegal aliens.
There are about 10-12M citizens in the $40-80K earnings range who choose not to buy.
Is Winchester Baseball for the masses or a select few in an effort to gain individual national prominence?
For those baseball fans who might not be familiar, WB starts practice in mid-March and some teams are out there until 10 p.m. during school nights. Is this in the best interests of the kids on those cold nights?
The regular season ends during mid-June as the regular season is over and complete for the kids who did not get selected as an all-star, which there are not even tryouts for. Why is there such a rush to end the regular season?
With the 12-and-under season running during the same time as the local high-school season, the majority of the youngsters do not have an opportunity to watch the high-school teams compete.
Based on history, the all-star teams are pre-selected with the all-star teams practicing indoors at the Armory during December, January, and sometimes into February when the regular season has not even started yet.
What are those kids supposed to do for the entire summer if they are not selected to an all-star team? Why not go back to the good ol’ days when 12-and-under baseball was played throughout the summer with a two-week local All-Star break and then the second half of the season was completed?
The league playoffs were completed in early-to-mid August just in time for school to start again.
Keep all kids involved throughout the entire summer. What is wrong with this idea?
Frederick County basketball fans hoping to hear live broadcasts of their favorite high schools’ games have been put largely on standby for the first half of the season.
In October, GamedayMagazine.com secured exclusive Internet broadcast rights to all games played at James Wood, Sherando and Millbrook that they decide to cover.
That agreement led Sportstalk1550.com to create a basketball schedule featuring all Handley home games.
So, play-by-play of Handley’s home doubleheaders against Millbrook (last Saturday) and Sherando (Tuesday) were streamed online free of charge.
But when the Colonels hosted doubleheaders against the Warriors and Pioneers last week, the games were not broadcast at all.
This Friday’s Handley at James Wood boys’ game was the first local one to be picked up this season by Gameday, which is available for a $139.99 annual subscription. Of the 35 games the site lists on its January schedule, only three of them feature Frederick County teams, and each of those are boys’ games.
Gameday President and Founder Andy Hayes said his broadcast schedule for February hasn’t been set yet, but he says it will feature more Frederick County games.
“We’re definitely ramping up,” Hayes said. “Our basketball coverage doesn’t really get going until we get done with all our Gameday football banquets. We’re doing games, but we’ll really be rolling it out big in about a week.”
Hayes said some of the games he planned to cover early in the season were knocked out by weather. He also said his site will feature a Northwestern District game of the week from this point forward.
As Hayes notes, the exclusive Internet agreement with the Frederick County Public Schools does not prevent other stations from carrying the same games on radio, or broadcasting games online when Gameday isn’t present.
But with Gameday not setting its schedule in stone early in the year, it would be difficult for other Web broadcasters to set up theirs without fear of Gameday coming in and blocking their coverage.
Dan Gloster, who calls games for Sportstalk1550.com, said he was a little disappointed to learn about restrictions on covering Frederick County games — “I thought that was kind of a bummer, to be honest with you,” he said — but he rolled with the punches and made sure to schedule those schools when they visited Handley.
Gloster — who will have called eight games by the end of January — said he typically doesn’t broadcast from Clarke County because of space limitations in the gym, but he has games featuring all five of the local public schools on his schedule by Feb. 9.
Gloster is limited to his station’s online stream for all night events, because the WMRE 1550 AM radio frequency only carries out to listeners during the day.
During football season, 98.3 KISS FM picked up Gloster and his crew’s coverage of five big local night games — which allowed them to call the same ones as Gameday — but Gloster said KISS is not interested in carrying basketball at this point.
It all adds up to an unfortunate set of circumstances for county hoops fans who can’t make it to the games and had previously grown accustomed to hearing them free on Sportstalk 610. (Late in 2008, the land holding 610’s radio towers was sold by Silver Lake Development Co. to make room for The Village at Orchard Ridge retirement community, and Sportstalk was moved up the dial to 1550.)
It should be said that Gameday had a stronger presence here during football season, and while some listeners may be turned off by the almost $12-per-month price tag for membership, a small portion of the money goes to the local schools if appropriate coupon codes are used.
But if Gameday isn’t delivering broadcasts of the biggest boys’ and girls’ games, then followers of the county teams will be left with dead air if they can’t attend and want to listen in.
And that will be a lose-lose for the Frederick County schools and their fans. As they say in radio land, stay tuned.
— David Selig is sports editor
at The Winchester Star
Actually, this was discussed previously on The Pub back in October ...
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These can be easily viewed as pushing out the competition, VHS basically has zero competition here locally in Winchester and now is continuing with their mission on a Regionally level with brand new, nearly $30million hospitals being built in Hampshire County, WV and Berkeley Springs, WV. The current Page County Hospital is on the books to be replaced with a brand new hospital.
Folks, are these new hospitals adding any NEW services or are they a medical bus stop for Winchester Medical Center?
Everyone needs to review what happened down in Roanoke Valley. Research this blog so you are more informed. Here are some links, but still research October, November and December's posts to become a more informed citizen of the Shenandoah Valley.
View larger image Construction continues on the Valley Health facility on North Congress Street in New Market. A primary-care physician and schedule for specialty clinics have been announced. Rich Cooley/Daily
Company has named primary-care physician for New Market facility
By Preston Knight - pknight@nvdaily.com
NEW MARKET - The Valley Health facility on North Congress Street is undergoing interior modifications and should be open in a few months.
"It's pretty close to done," public relations manager Lore Bredeman said.
One of the biggest pieces that had to fall in place for Valley Health was the hiring of Dr. Steve Templeton, who will be the facility's primary-care physician, she said. He works in Tennessee, but was previously employed by Shenandoah Memorial Hospital.
"Our biggest concern was to have a primary-care physician when we opened," Bredeman said.
A schedule also has been developed for rotating specialty clinics offered at the site. The schedule calls for an obstetrician and gynecologist on Mondays, a behavioral health specialist on Tuesdays, and an orthopedic specialist on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The office will be open for general surgery on Fridays.
Bredeman said these rotating physicians already practice in their areas of expertise within Valley Health.
The third component of the 9,000-square-foot facility will be office space. Bredeman said there is plenty of space available for rent and Valley Health is open to talking to anyone in a professional field who might be interested in locating there. The business does not have to be medical in nature, she added, but Valley Health would like to attract support services, such as a pharmacy.
The facility is modeled after Valley Health's Quick Care facility north of Strasburg. Developer Scott Rosenfeld worked on both projects.
Valley Health recognized the need for more convenient medical services in southern Shenandoah County and northern Rockingham County, a June 2009 news release states. SMH and New Market officials worked together to get the facility built on North Congress Street, just north of the New Market Volunteer Rescue Squad building.
I want to make it very clear, that I am a baseball coach and very supportive of the game but unfortunately folks, we are facing epic budgets constraints and the what lies ahead of us does not look very promising. With that said, I am not sure how City Council members can justify in spending up to $273,000 dollars of the taxpayers money.
Furthermore, Winchester Baseball is really NOT just Winchester residents, Winchester Baseball should rename their entity to something like Shenandoah Valley Regional baseball because this groups includes Frederick County (majority of players of WB are Frederick County residents), Clarke, Warren and even Hampshire and Hard counties from West Virginia. Why are we spending our City Tax Dollars to support these other counties and even two WV counties? Have we already consolidated or what?
To close, it's just the wrong time for spending such money when considering the status of our economy. In my own honest opinion, I believe that City Council needs to save this money and spend it more wisely for this moment in time unless these other counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Hardy and Hampshire County, WV are willing to throw in some cash.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Sun, Jan 10, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Subject: Re: Breakdown of kids playing in Winchester Baseball
To:
Cc:
To all addressed and CC'd:
Today is Sunday, January 10th at 10:25am and NO response from the Winchester Baseball organization for the requested information.
For the record, this information was requested back on October 6, 2009 ... see attached document.
Not sure why this is so difficult about getting this information but the perception is that its some big secret in my own honest opinion.
Regards,
JEFF
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From:
Date: Wed, Dec 30, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Subject: Re: Breakdown of kids playing in Winchester Baseball
To:
Cc:
Dear Winchester Baseball (WB) BOD's and WPRD officials,
Will someone please respond or at least acknowledge this concern and state that you are working on getting such information that I have requested below.
I am still taken aback that WPRD official(s) told me that I should contact Winchester Baseball myself. Does not WB operate under the umbrella of WPRD?
Thank You,
Coach Milburn
On Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 3:37 PM, wrote:
Dear Bob, Scott, Tammy and Robin,
I am in need of the following information:
- How many kids are playing in Winchester Baseball for the ages of 8-12yrs old?
- How many kids are Winchester City residents
- How many kids are Frederick County residents
- How many kids are Clarke County residents
- How many kids are Warren County residents
- How many kids are Shenandoah County residents
- How many kids are from WV
- And any other counties that may have kids playing in the WB league
Lastly ... how much is the player fee per kid?
I would greatly appreciate your cooperation in providing such information.
Many Thanks!
JEFF MILBURN
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael White
Date: Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Subject: RE: ??? about 2011 10yr old World Series
To:
There was never $$ specifically allocated toward the lights at Bridgeforth in the last 2 years. Funds were requested to replace the lights in the park’s FY09’ and FY10’ Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budgets. However, given the economic conditions and the tight budget cycles we’re in, those funds were not approved. Funds to replace the lights at Bridgeforth were also included in our EECBG grant application ($405k). We should find out the grant awards very soon.
You’ll need to check with Winchester Baseball on their % of residents from the area localities. We don’t have that specific information.
Again, you’ll need to check with Winchester Baseball regarding that question. Saying that, I don’t think it’s fair to ask them to predict the future. The kids that will play on that team are 8 years old right now. Who knows what talent may move in or move out of Winchester in the next 2 + years?
At this time, there are no plans to seek financial assistance from surrounding localities to support this event.
The $100k for the lights was included in the presentation made to City Council on 12/22. If the city is successful in obtaining the grant funding, then the $100k gets deducted from the original request. If the city is unsuccessful in obtaining the grant, then the $100k light replacement cost is still included in the original request to city council.
Hope that helps.
Mike
Visit http://www.winchesterva.gov/parks to check out our latest activity guide and register online to receive our monthly e-publication ActivitE-News!
From:
Sent: Monday, December 28, 2009 9:18 AM
To:
Cc:
Subject: Re: ??? about 2011 10yr old World Series
Dear Brad Veach and Mike White,
I am looking forward to either one of you answering my questions below.
Need to add a question and they are the following:
- What happened to the $250,000 that was allocated within the last 12-24 months for Bridgeforth Field lights? The perception is that the lighting is way below safety standards if I recall from the conversations that I have heard from a couple of companies that have came in to review the lighting at Bridgeforth.
- What is the breakdown of the kids playing in the Winchester Baseball league for ages 8-12?
- How many kids are actually Winchester City residents?
- How many kids are from Frederick County?
- How many kids are from Clarke County?
- How many kids are from Shenandoah County?
- How many kids are from Warren County?
- How many kids are from the state of WV?
- How many City residents' kids out of the 12-15 team members will be on this World Series team? From years past, the perception has always been that the All-Stars teams are pre-selected because the All-Star coaches are always hitting indoors at the Armory or other venues which allows indoor hitting.
- Will these other counties be assisting with the money that is needed from City to host such event?
- If the $100k grant does not go through, then who will cover that?
Please make note that I will have limited access to my e-mail this week.
MARTINSBURG - As someone who was born at War Memorial Hospital 51 years ago, Neil McLaughlin can vouch for how excited the Morgan County community is over news that Valley Health Systems of Winchester has gotten the go-ahead to buy WMH and to build a new hospital nearby.
"From the Berkeley Springs angle, everyone is excited - this is a project we can move forward with," McLaughlin, the president of War Memorial Hospital, said in a telephone interview Thursday afternoon.
He and Valley Health Systems leaders got the official word Wednesday morning that the West Virginia Healthcare Authority had granted a certificate of need to Valley Health to proceed with purchasing the hospital from the Morgan County Commission and with its construction plans.
Valley Health has managed the hospital located on Fairview Drive outside Berkeley Springs since 1989. Morgan County's commissioners agreed to sell the hospital to Valley Health in December 2008 for about $2.8 million and the promise to build a new health care facility.
For the remainder of the article and comments that are being made on The Journal's website, please click on the following:
I want to make it very clear, that I am a baseball coach and very supportive of the game but unfortunately folks, we are facing epic budgets constraints and the what lies ahead of us does not look very promising. With that said, I am not sure how City Council members can justify in spending up to $273,000 dollars of the taxpayers money.
Furthermore, Winchester Baseball is really NOT just Winchester residents, Winchester Baseball should rename their entity to something like Shenandoah Valley Regional baseball because this groups includes Frederick County (majority of players of WB are Frederick County residents), Clarke, Warren and even Hampshire and Hard counties from West Virginia. Why are we spending our City Tax Dollars to support these other counties and even two WV counties? Have we already consolidated or what?
To close, it's just the wrong time for spending such money when considering the status of our economy. In my own honest opinion, I believe that City Council needs to save this money and spend it more wisely for this moment in time unless these other counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Hardy and Hampshire County, WV are willing to throw in some cash.
Review the history of the e-mail dialog that started back in February of 2009.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 4:21 PM
Subject: Fwd: Inquiry (10yr old 2011 World Series)
To: miltmcinturff@hotmail.com, Robert Noe
Cc: Adrian O'Connor , Alex Bridges , Vic Bradshaw
Dear Milt and Bob,
OK, WHY would the City of Winchester support such an event if it does not even fall under the umbrella of WPRD? I believe in my own honest opinion, I do not see how City Council can support such an event in such epic budget constraints we are facing and even facing against this upcoming year. Sorry, just bad timing as this money needs to be spent elsewhere.
I look forward to next weeks City Council meeting as I will be sharing my concern and I want to make it know that I am not against this as I am baseball coach but I am against supporting something that does not even fall under the WPRD umbrella and most likely 80-90% of the kids will be Frederick County residents. Winchester's taxpayers money should not be spent on such event.
To close, just a very strange way to spend local taxpayers dollars of up to $273,000 to get somewhere from $8k-$18k in local tax revenue if you ask me.
Regards,
JEFF
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Bradley Veach
Date: Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 1:27 PM
Subject: Inquiry
To: coachmilburn@gmail.com
Dear Jeff,
Good afternoon and Happy New Year.
The World Series is a tremendous opportunity to provide Winchester with terrific exposure and showcase our wonderful community. Over the 10 day World Series event, the community will also reap the economic benefit of hosting visiting players, coaches, officials, and their families from all over the United States in our hotels, restaurants, etc. Many members of the Winchester business community have already indicated their support of this event. Specific economic impact data can be found in the presentation I made to city council on 12/22/09. I have attached the PowerPoint for your review.
On a much smaller scale, pursuing the opportunity to host this event is similar to countries competing to host the Olympics. No country goes through the process of hosting the Olympics solely because of the experience that hosting such an event provides that country’s athletes. They pursue the opportunity because of the tremendous exposure it gives their country. The outcome of the games and their athlete’s experience in participating on their home turf or court are ancillary benefits.
As a host locality, Winchester does indeed get to put a team in the tournament to compete in the 10 team field. At this time, there is no way to determine the residency status of those team members as they are currently only 8 years old. Although this World Series event is sure to be a tremendous experience for the Winchester area players that will participate, their experience is not the only reason Winchester Parks & Recreation is partnering with Winchester Baseball to bring this event to Winchester. The primary reason for pursuing this event is the exposure opportunity and the boost it will provide to the local economy.
In regards to your comments that Winchester Baseball (WB) operates under the umbrella of WPRD, that simply is not true. WB is an independent organization just like Winchester/Frederick County Youth Football, Winchester BMX, Shenandoah University, Winchester Swim Team, local horseshoe clubs, Shamroc/Winroc R/C Car Club, Rolling Thunder, AARP, Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging and others who currently pay to use or have used the park facilities in the past and WPRD will not speak on their behalf. WPRD facilitates these groups by providing space for them to use; we don’t operate these groups.
Occasionally, WPRD does ask for information, such as participant data, when we are reviewing and creating agreements however we do not require this information each year and we only ask for it when we feel it is necessary.
Respectfully shared,
Bradley S. Veach, Director
Winchester Parks & Recreation Department
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: (540) 667-1573
Fax: (540) 678-8791
Website: www.winchesterva.gov/parks
Register online at www.winchesterva.gov/parks to receive our monthly e-publication, ActivitE-News
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael White
Date: Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Subject: RE: ??? about 2011 10yr old World Series
To: coachmilburn@gmail.com, Bradley Veach
There was never $$ specifically allocated toward the lights at Bridgeforth in the last 2 years. Funds were requested to replace the lights in the park’s FY09’ and FY10’ Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budgets. However, given the economic conditions and the tight budget cycles we’re in, those funds were not approved. Funds to replace the lights at Bridgeforth were also included in our EECBG grant application ($405k). We should find out the grant awards very soon.
You’ll need to check with Winchester Baseball on their % of residents from the area localities. We don’t have that specific information.
Again, you’ll need to check with Winchester Baseball regarding that question. Saying that, I don’t think it’s fair to ask them to predict the future. The kids that will play on that team are 8 years old right now. Who knows what talent may move in or move out of Winchester in the next 2 + years?
At this time, there are no plans to seek financial assistance from surrounding localities to support this event.
The $100k for the lights was included in the presentation made to City Council on 12/22. If the city is successful in obtaining the grant funding, then the $100k gets deducted from the original request. If the city is unsuccessful in obtaining the grant, then the $100k light replacement cost is still included in the original request to city council.
Hope that helps.
Mike
Michael White, CPRP
Operations Superintendent
Winchester Parks & Recreation Department
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-1573 - phone
(540) 678-8791 - fax
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <coachmilburn@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Dec 21, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Subject: ??? about 2011 10yr old World Series
To: Milt@dealerslot.com, Bradley Veach, mwhite@ci.winchester.va.us, miltmcinturff@hotmail.com, evanclark1@yahoo.com, mcbutler82@comcast.net, Les@veachinsurance.com, art@gearclean.com, tdiva@ntelos.net
Cc: BWigley@su.edu, Jack MacDonald , Adrian O'Connor <aoconnor@winchesterstar.com>, Vic Bradshaw , Alex Bridges <abridges@nvdaily.com>, Robert Noe , Anne Lewis , mike_carroll@wahazel.com
Dear Mr. Veach, Mr. White and Mr. McInturff and other CC members,
this is great that Winchester is going to host such even BUT I have a few questions:
- What is the breakdown of the kids playing in the Winchester Baseball league for ages 8-12?
- How many kids are actually WinchesterCity residents?
- How many kids are from FrederickCounty?
- How many kids are from ClarkeCounty?
- How many kids are from ShenandoahCounty?
- How many kids are from WarrenCounty?
- How many kids are from the state of WV?
- How many City residents' kids out of the 12-15 team members will be on this World Series team? From years past, the perception has always been that the All-Stars teams are pre-selected because the All-Star coaches are always hitting indoors at the Armory or other venues which allows indoor hitting.
- Will these other counties be assisting with the money that is needed from City to host such event?
I have much concern about funding a project were more than 75% (educated guess) are non-city residents. If my educated guess is realistic, then I feel that the County of Frederick and other counties need to support help this project in my honest opinion.
- Last question, what is the total money that is being requested from the City to host such event for the bid and improvements to the facility?
Others that I have BCC'd, if you agree or disagree, please reply ALL to include share your thoughts on this matter. Please review attached document.
Wanted to share with the local community that the perception taken from this e-mail sent on October 8, 2009 sent from WPRD official [Mike White, Operations Superintendent] is that they are finally admitting that the previous numbers presented by [Brad Veach, WPRD Director] to City Council back in February of $1.2-$2million were skewed and not researched thoroughly. These numbers of $1.2-$2million were disputed back in late February after they were presented to City Council for consideration for requesting money by WPRD for improvements to the Rotary Field. The concern was meant by WPRD resistance in the failure to acknowledge the twisted figures until this October 8th e-mail.
I’d be interested in looking at your figures on the economic impact of having the Babe Ruth World Series come to Winchester. We’ve seen different studies and different methods of calculating the impact on these tournaments and events. What we’ve found is the impact numbers are approximate figures and that it’s tough to determine the exact impact. I’d be interested in taking a look at your numbers and see what you used for a dollar turnover multiplier, etc. I’ve run the numbers myself using different formulas than what was initially provided. I used an average daily spending amount recommended by a national expert in parks & recreation from TexasA&MUniversity. What I came up with was in between your figures[$337k-$472k]and the $1.2 million figure previously mentioned in the newspaper.
Also, if you’re interested in an update on Bridgeforth field and where the renovations stand, feel free to swing by or give me a call. Kevin Sine and John gave you accurate information on the current project but I can let you know where the committee currently stands and what our plans are moving forward.
Thanks,
Mike
Michael White, CPRP
Operations Superintendent
Winchester Parks & Recreation Department
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, VA22601
(540) 667-1573 - phone
(540) 678-8791 - fax
For the record, these numbers of $1.2-$2million economic impact for hosting a World Series event were sent from the Babe Ruth Headquarters. Organizations considering hosting such an event much realize that the headquarters executives will make it appear as lucrative as possible because they need host cities each year and the league host officials should do their due diligence.
It seems to be the standard formula that Babe Ruth shares with all communities in which a World Series is hosted. I understand what you are saying but I don’t think you realize that the $400K pumped into the community is unrealized beyond the event. For example, the hotel is paying its staff with this money; their staff goes out and buys something from a local business that pays taxes to the locality, etc. Most of the money collected will flow through the community beyond the 10 day event. The communities that host the Series range anywhere from 11,000 people to over 80,000 people according to the folks I personally spoke to in IN, CO, and LA. Indiana has hosted 4 tournaments over the years and they were pushing Babe Ruth to make them the host site as they realized the dramatic impact it had on their local economy. Of course, Babe Ruth only allows one area to host it year after year and that is in Aberdeen so their request was not approved.
Folks who use this formula locally did not question the numbers. I’ve shared this with some local businesses and tourism folks who use these types of formulas all the time and they did not question it. I think they probably have a better economic background that you or I and realize the potential of this 10 day event and they have the greatest potential to reap the benefits of such an event.
Thanks for your thoughts. Have a good weekend.
Brad
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 20098:42 PM
To: 'Bradley Veach'
Subject: RE: local economic impact
Brad,
Just wanted to share what I have learned about this compounding factor formula. Babe Ruth is using an economic impact spending study on a university town. The University of Georgia is an annual/reoccurring impact on that local economy. The WS event is just a 10-day event. That is like comparing apples to oranges.
I believe their figure of $414,600 is a high estimate and is in the ballpark. I am working on a more detailed analysis of potential revenue that could be drawn into the City of Winchester. Again, I am concerned about this $1.2 - $2 million dollar figure is being communicated with the community. Some people will be under the impression that $1.2-2million will be flowing into this town for this 10-day event and that is very misleading.
Again, I am not against the World Series coming to Winchester but I do like this revenue number being thrown out that is unrealistic.
